Bell Book and Comic, located at 458 Patterson Road in Dayton, recently expanded to take over a third storefront. PHOTO / (Josher Lumpkin)
(Josher Lumpkin)

Bell and his team took out part of the wall separating the original storefront and the new space. The result is a welcoming location that has more retail square footage to spread out Bell Book and Comic’s selection of new comics, back issues, and games.

Bell Book and Comic, located at 458 Patterson Road in Dayton, recently expanded to take over a third storefront. PHOTO / (Josher Lumpkin)
(Josher Lumpkin)

“We wanted there to be more of a distinction between the comic books and toys in one area and then your games and gaming supplies in the other side, close to the gaming annex,” says Bell. “It's a lot more streamlined for customers to shop.“

The shop’s wide selection of board games will now greet shoppers entering Bell Book and Comic. Due to the limitations of the original shop’s shotgun layout, these games had previously been hidden away in the back room.

Bell Book and Comic, located at 458 Patterson Road in Dayton, recently expanded to take over a third storefront. PHOTO / (Josher Lumpkin)
(Josher Lumpkin)

Visitors shopping for comics will also enjoy Bell Book and Comic’s new floorplan. The back issue comic books now share the same room as the new comics. Readers missing an issue can quickly grab it while picking up that week’s titles.

But he says he can see a new-felt comfort on his customer’s faces. “I've noticed a difference already in the demeanor of people who come in. They go ‘Oh my god, this is what you needed for so long.’ I hear that a lot,” Bell says.

When asked if he wants to take over the entire strip of storefronts in Patterson Park Plaza, Bell doesn’t rule it out.